Qatar Airways vs Airbus

Philip was instructed by Jim Cormack KC (Global Head of Litigation), Jacqueline Harris, Pamela McDonald and Lawrence Davies of Pinsent Masons on behalf of Qatar Airways to head a team of 5 leading and 4 junior counsel in its dispute with Airbus.

The case was heard in the High Court in London and concerned alleged manufacturing and design defects in the A350 aircraft and cancellation of a contract for 50 A321 Neo aircraft.

It was one of the most high-profile disputes of recent years with the claim exceeding $2bn.

The case was closely followed by the aerospace industry as it could have marked a new era in the relations between manufacturers and their airline customers.

Qatar Airways was successful in obtaining an expedited trial which was due to be heard in June 2023, but settled in February of the same year.